Always on the lookout June 30, 2011

He was always, in the darkness of the dungeon, on the lookout for light, the smallest glimmer, the tiniest shimmer. (from The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo)

This one actually made me cry. I know. You can roll your eyes at me if you want to. But, gosh, sometimes things can seem so dark…days and weeks when you seem to hear nothing but bad news. It’s nice to be reminded just to be on the lookout for light, the smallest glimmer, the tiniest shimmer. Don’t become cynical. Look for and long for light.

I have an index card in my purse that reminds me to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. It’s too easy to think about the things that aren’t. I need, from time to time, to retrain my thoughts and think about these things. To be on the lookout for light.

To be brave June 29, 2011

Despereaux did not know it, but he would need, very soon, to be brave himself. (from The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo)

But building June 28, 2011

“That’s what it takes to build up a country,” said Pa. “Building over your head and under your feet, but building. We’d never get anything fixed to suit us if we waited for things to suit us before we started.” (from On the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Giftcard Winner! June 27, 2011

The winner of the $20 Amazon.com giftcard is Denise A.! Congratulations, Denise! Thanks for liking us on facebook. Please keep recommending our page to your friends. I love reading your comments and feedback. I hope we’ll be able to do lots more give-aways in the future.

Also, just fyi, this contest was sponsored by me and not by Amazon.com.

Never mind the work June 27, 2011

“Oh, hurry up and get the supper work done so we can read,” Mary said eagerly. But Ma said, “Never mind the work, Laura! Read us a story!” (from On The Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Mountain trolls (repost) June 24, 2011

“But from that moment on, Hermione Granger became their friend. There are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.” (From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling)

Motherhood can seem like knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll. It’s hard to do, you don’t have enough experience, and it’s scary. I think that’s why new moms need each other. I think that’s why we can become instant friends. It is a wonderful thing to be encouraged by another mom, to hear her say that I’m doing a good job. And it’s an incredible feeling to be able to say to someone else, “It will get better. You’re doing great.” Encouragement. Help. Friendship. Not the random advice of strangers, but the heartfelt empathy and understanding of a friend in the trenches. From the moment another mom gives you the courage for one more day or night (there’s no difference between day and night at first, you know) of nursing and rocking and soothing and diapering by sharing her story or listening to yours or saying those three magic words (“You’re doing great”),  she becomes your friend.

It doesn’t have to be motherhood. That’s just the troll I’m working on. You may be starting a new business, navigating the murky waters of school or the workforce, getting married, moving far away from everything and everyone you know. Whatever your mountain or your mountain troll, there are people you will find there with you or who have gone before you and those people become your friends despite the diversity in background or personality. It’s a wonderful thing.

(Don’t forget to enter the drawing for the Amazon.com giftcard I’m giving away on Monday!)

Had to try June 23, 2011

Jean’s pony seemed larger every minute. It was big and strong enough to kill Laura if it wanted to, and so high that to fall off it would break her bones. She was so scared to ride it that she had to try. (from By The Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Being Chairman June 22, 2011

He wiped his face with his handkerchief, for he was quite warm from the exertion of being Chairman of the World. It had taken more running and leaping and sliding than he had imagined. (from Stuart Little by E.B. White)

 This one always brings a chuckle, followed by a sigh. Everytime I start to think I can become Chairman of the World, I get myself into trouble. It takes a great deal more running and jumping and juggling than I ever anticipate when I just get the idea that I know better than everybody and it becomes exhausting. It’s so much better just to find out what my role is and do that well. I think it’s also important to find out what my job is NOT and to just leave it alone.  But boy is that hard to do sometimes.

(If you’re interested in the $20 Amazon.com giftcard I’m giving away this week, you can sign up for it here.)

More when you are listening June 21, 2011

I assure you that you can pick up more information when you are listening than when you are talking. (from The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White)

 Don’t forget to enter the drawing for the $20 Amazon.com giftcard. I am giving away an Amazon.com giftcard to one person who likes our facebook page this week. The drawing will be held next Monday. Good luck!

Amazon giftcard give away!!! June 20, 2011

If you want a chance to win a $20 Amazon.com giftcard, head on over to facebook and like our page . Then come back here and leave a comment on this post saying that you liked us on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Childrens-Book-Quote-of-the-Day-blog/195081973877351

I will choose one facebook fan randomly on Monday, June 27. Good luck!